Wakefield Regional Council have claimed the award for Best SA Regional Council Campaigner this year because of their commitment to educating the community and staff about the dangers of asbestos.

In November last year, the council hosted ‘Betty in Balaklava’, a purpose built, mobile model home designed to demonstrate where asbestos might be found in and around any Australian home built or renovated before 1987.

They have also ensured the community was up-to-date and educated about asbestos through information presented in the council foyer and on the council website.

Chief executive Jason Kuchel said ensuring everyone was safe from the dangers of asbesto was an important issue for the council.

“With collaborative council support, each community can be directly informed with significant impact.”

The award was won leading up to National Asbestos Awareness month and invited governments, businesses, associations and individuals from all over the nation to help increase awareness of the dangers of asbestos at grassroots level.

“There are buildings across Australia that have asbesto in them that people may come across, and if they’re not aware what asbesto is and they may not realise what they’re handling,” Mr Kuchel said.

Last year, more than 500 councils nationwide registered to participate – the highest number of councils since the launch of the campaign in 2012.

Wakefield Regional Council won a similar award during their first year of participation and said they plan to continue their involvement in upcoming campaigns.